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Appetite for golf is rocketing in the North East, say Close House

The North East’s appetite for golf has grown rapidly as the economy begins to recover, the manager of Close House Golf says.

Following news that the estate’s owner, software entrepreneur Graham Wylie, will convert the Close House Hotel back into a private residence, bosses at the golf course are refocusing their efforts as demand for a quality course in the region has “rocketed.”

The course’s general manager, John Glendinning, told Bdaily: “We’ve seen the regional economy begin to turn a corner, and there’s more wealth coming to the region now.

“At the same time, peoples’ leisure time is becoming increasingly precious - and they put a lot of value on their leisure time.

“That might be going to the gym or playing golf, but it means many people are looking to spend a little more on their leisure.”

The team are now looking to invest in the golf courses over the next 12 months, with a potential expansion of the clubhouse on the horizon too.

John says the Close House brand has helped attract talent to the business, from greenkeepers through to professional Lee Westwood.

John added: “We’ve been approached to host a number of big tournaments now, and that requires a lot of investment and planning.

“If we’re going to hold something it’s about ensuring that it works for our members, as much as it works for the business.

“Building golf in the North East is a very important part of the thinking too. We’ve only been operational three years now, so it’s a case of making sure the club is running smoothly and growing our capacity so that we’re ready to tackle big tournament events.”

The clubhouse at Close House

John and his staff are keen to attract youngsters in the region to Close House and make the golf club experience more inclusive than many of its traditional counterparts.

He added: “We’re a very modern club and we’re trying to break down some of those historic barriers. For instance you’re welcome to wear jeans and bring kids in - we want people to come and enjoy playing golf as a family.

“A lot of clubs don’t see that as their marketplace, but we want to make sure we have a sustainable business, and that means getting more women and children into the sport.”

Close House also operate two holiday properties in the Lake District and Mallorca, which members can use - and helps to bolster the business out-of-season.

The club is currently preparing for the annual ‘Have a Heart’ celebrity golf event that raises money for the Freeman Hospital’s Childrens’ Heart Unit.

A host of stars including Ant and Dec, Alan Shearer and Lee Westwood will play on May 19, when members of the public have a chance to compete against them.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .